The Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in seceded states, which Lincoln had no power in, and didn't free any from the border states (slave states in the Union). Although it didn't have any immediate effect towards freeing slaves, it was a crucial first step towards uniting the Union against slavery.

Consisted of two orders

First order, on September 22, 1862, declared the freedom of all slaves in any seceded state that does not return to the Union by January 1, 1863

Border states, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and West Virginia unaffected, so wouldn't be tempted to secede

Second order, on January 1, 1863, specifically stated that the ten states that had not returned to the Union would be affected by the law

These ten states were Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia